WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 19, 2025 — Commemorating the two-year anniversary of the first commercial shipping attacks in the Red Sea by Yemen-based Houthi terrorists, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has called for the Trump administration to intensify its efforts to ensure a zero tolerance policy regarding freedom of navigation globally.
In a recent letter, the AAFA stated, “We commend your administration’s actions to protect commercial shipping and urge sustained deterrence and robust diplomatic efforts to ensure freedom of navigation worldwide.”
The letter elaborates, “We applaud the broader efforts taken by the U.S. military and our allies to protect commercial shipping—including defensive and offensive operations, sanctions targeting Houthi resources, sustained diplomacy with regional partners, and courageous naval escorts and rescues.”
The AAFA also expressed gratitude for the administration’s significant decision to designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Despite the Houthis releasing the crew of the Galaxy Leader at the beginning of 2025, they continue to threaten maritime traffic, highlighting the persistent danger. This classification appropriately recognizes the severity of their assaults, enhances the legal frameworks to disrupt their financial operations, and sends a decisive message that violence against commercial shipping will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, AAFA acknowledges the diplomatic achievements made this year. Following the administration’s attempts to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East, there has been an uptick in ships transiting the Red Sea. On November 4, 2025, the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority reported that 229 ships passed through the canal in October—the highest monthly figure recorded since Houthi attacks began two years ago.
However, threats to commercial shipping extend beyond the Houthis in the Red Sea. Iranian military actions and an increase in piracy present additional challenges in the region. Moreover, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, jeopardize commercial shipping in an area that carries over one-third of global trade.
Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA, emphasized, “There should be zero tolerance for attacks on commercial shipping, whether in the Red Sea, the Indo-Pacific, or elsewhere. The global economy depends on the free, safe, and reliable movement of vessels across international waters.”
Lamar expressed appreciation for the steps the administration has taken to safeguard commercial shipping while encouraging ongoing prioritization of freedom of navigation through effective deterrence and diplomatic engagement.
